The morning sun rose over the towering spires of Shrek Academy, reflecting off the snow-dusted mountains like a thousand diamonds. A crisp wind swept across the Frozen Continent, carrying with it the mingled scents of pine, frost, and the faint tang of lingering spirit energy from the previous day's training. Today was different. Today was the beginning of something unprecedented.
Ma Xiaotao stood in the central courtyard, her hands gently clasping the flames of her Phoenix Spirit aura. Every flicker, every ember, resonated with her energy, controlled yet wild, a perfect reflection of her disciplined but passionate soul. Beside her, Shiwang moved with a calm, measured stride, his presence radiating the Demon King and God of Ice aura—a subtle, potent mix of frost and destructive power that made even the seasoned students pause instinctively.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and the other familiar faces of Shrek Academy were gathered, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and awe. Some were trying to hide it, but whispers spread like wildfire.
"Is that… a Demon King?" one student murmured under his breath.
"His aura… it's like nothing we've ever felt before," another replied.
Even senior instructors, watching from the balconies, couldn't completely hide their astonishment. Shiwang's presence was subtle but undeniable—a power that didn't demand attention, yet drew it effortlessly.
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The Announcement
A clear, commanding voice echoed across the courtyard. "Students of Shrek Academy! Today marks the start of the First Official Test of the Phoenix Spirit class, and a new presence among you shall be observed. All participants, report to your designated training grounds immediately."
The voice belonged to Shi Xing, the Time Douluo, standing on the balcony of the main hall. Her silver hair glinted in the sunlight, her eyes scanning the gathered students with precision. Today, she would oversee the test, and the academy buzzed with anticipation.
Ma Xiaotao's heart beat steadily. This was more than a test of skill—it was an opportunity to merge her Phoenix Spirit abilities with Shiwang's guidance, to explore uncharted synergy that had never existed in Soul Land before.
Shiwang leaned slightly closer, his icy aura brushing subtly against her arm. "Remember," he whispered, playful yet serious, "don't fight to show power—fight to understand the flow of energy. Your Phoenix Spirit and my ice energy together… it's not just about strength. It's about balance."
Ma Xiaotao nodded. "I understand."
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The Training Grounds
The students moved toward the expansive training grounds—a sprawling arena with multiple zones, each designed for specific combat, spirit control, and strategic tests. Some zones had floating platforms, others contained illusionary fire and ice hazards, and a few were open plains where spirit abilities could be fully unleashed.
Shiwang's presence immediately drew attention. He did not follow conventional academy rules, but neither did he disrupt them. His frost energy swept across the edges of the terrain, subtly altering the environment. Snow patterns shifted into intricate spirals, and icy air formed thin barriers, enhancing the safety of some zones while creating new challenges in others.
Tang San stepped forward, curiosity piqued. "You… you're adjusting the field?" he asked cautiously, sensing the subtle energy manipulations.
Shiwang's lips curved into a faint smirk. "I call it… preparing the playground," he replied lightly. "Everything here can be used to your advantage—or your disadvantage. You'll learn faster if you respect the terrain."
Dai Mubai raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Interesting… I've never seen anyone manipulate the grounds so delicately without overt energy."
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First Sparring Session
Shi Xing raised her hands, and the test began. Students scattered to their designated areas, their spirit energy flaring in anticipation. Ma Xiaotao and Shiwang moved together toward a zone lined with jagged ice crystals and blazing flame pits—a perfect reflection of their combined elements.
Shiwang's eyes glinted with a mix of playfulness and deadly precision. "First exercise: control and coordination. You'll face illusions of spirit beasts, scaled to your current power. Let's see how well you adapt under pressure."
Ma Xiaotao nodded, her Phoenix Spirit flaring. Flames spiraled around her, forming phoenix-shaped projections that danced in the air, illuminating the icy crystals. Shiwang's frost energy interlaced with hers, forming protective channels, allowing the illusions to attack without causing real harm.
The first wave of spirit beast illusions charged. They were fast—faster than any ordinary academy test. But with Shiwang's subtle guidance, Ma Xiaotao anticipated their movements, her flames reacting almost instinctively to his ice patterns.
Tang San and the other students watched in amazement. "They… they're synchronizing," Zhu Zhuqing whispered. "Her Phoenix Spirit is working with his ice energy… like it's alive, like they're one entity."
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Rivals and New Faces
As the session continued, a new set of students entered the field—future characters from the Soul Land 2 donghua storyline, now grown into their prime:
Qian Renxue, a sharp-minded spirit master known for her agility and precision. She circled the perimeter, observing the duo carefully.
Bai Chen, a young prodigy whose flame spirit technique rivaled Ma Xiaotao's Phoenix Spirit. His curiosity and rivalry sparked immediately.
Ling Xiao'er, whose ice-based abilities naturally clashed and harmonized with Shiwang's energy, creating unexpected mini-explosions of frost and flame whenever their powers intersected.
"Interesting," Tang San muttered. "So the newcomers from the future arcs are here… and they're already observing Ma Xiaotao."
Ma Xiaotao, though focused on the illusions, couldn't help but notice their presence. Her heart remained calm—she had endured far worse in her past. But the competitive spark in her spirit flared subtly, motivating her to push harder.
Shiwang chuckled softly. "Looks like we have an audience," he said. "Good. Nothing sharpens skill better than a little competition."
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The Synergy of Fire and Ice
As the illusions pressed harder, attacking with synchronized speed, Ma Xiaotao began to adjust her Phoenix Spirit flames in rhythm with Shiwang's frost energy. For the first time, her attacks weren't just offensive—they were strategic, controlling the battlefield, predicting movements, and creating openings for counterattacks.
Shiwang's subtle interventions made her movements smoother. Ice barriers appeared just in time to deflect strikes, while her flames responded almost instinctively to the flow of combat.
Tang San's eyes widened. "I've seen her Phoenix Spirit grow… but with him, it's… unprecedented!"
Dai Mubai added, "It's like they're reading each other's thoughts!"
Even Shi Xing and Xian Lin'er observed with narrowed eyes, realizing that Ma Xiaotao's potential had grown far beyond what they anticipated, thanks to Shiwang's presence and guidance.
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Unexpected Challenges
Just as the sparring seemed manageable, the illusions intensified. Giant Phoenix and Ice Beasts emerged from the ground and sky, forcing Ma Xiaotao and Shiwang to adapt on the fly.
"Keep moving!" Shiwang shouted, playful yet commanding. "Your Phoenix Spirit can burn bright, but you must let it flow with mine!"
Ma Xiaotao's flames surged, intertwining with frost currents, forming whirling spirals of fire and ice that repelled and disintegrated the illusions with precision. For the first time, she felt complete trust in Shiwang's guidance, letting his presence guide her instinctively.
The spectators were astonished. Even the academy instructors whispered to each other. "The Phoenix Spirit and ice… synchronized… a combination we've never seen before."
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End of First Test
As the illusions dissipated, the training ground fell silent. Ma Xiaotao stood tall, her flames still flickering softly. Shiwang's frost energy swirled gently around her, protective and serene.
Shi Xing approached, her gaze approving. "Impressive," she said. "You've exceeded expectations. The harmony between your abilities is… rare, even among elite Douluos."
Xian Lin'er nodded. "Discipline and control, yes. But true strength is in harmony with others. You've demonstrated both today."
Ma Xiaotao smiled faintly, exhausted but satisfied. Shiwang placed a hand on her shoulder. "Rest tonight," he said softly, serious yet comforting. "Tomorrow, the real challenges begin. You'll face not just the academy tests, but trials that will shape the future."
The golden thread between them pulsed gently, signaling the deepening bond of trust, strength, and destiny. With new allies, rivals, and the academy itself recognizing their potential, the stage was set for adventures and trials that would reshape Shrek Academy's future.
To be continued....